The visiting expert group led by the head of the Mainland Chinese medicine expert group of the central authorities Tong Xiaolin met and exchanged views with representatives from the Chinese medicine sector today.

During the meeting, the expert group learnt about the latest work progress of the Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Scheme which is funded by the Food & Health Bureau through the Chinese Medicine Development Fund.

The scheme provides subsidies to Chinese medicine practitioners to provide free Chinese medicine telemedicine services and delivery service of Chinese medicine drugs to COVID-19 patients.

The first phase of the scheme, which is expected to benefit 20,000 patients, has been open for registration by patients since March 22.

Furthermore, the expert group exchanged views with the sector representatives regarding the participation of the Chinese medicine sector in anti-epidemic efforts, and offered their perspective on the long-term development of Chinse medicine in Hong Kong.

The group then visited the Baptist University's Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Centre Against COVID-19 to learn more about the free Chinese medicine prevention and treatment services provided by the university for coronavirus patients, their close contacts and carers.

Both sides also discussed the overall situation and treatment plans of the infected patients.